MAKATEA

'Makatea' is a uplifted coral island in the northwestern part of the Tuamotus. It is located west of the Palliser group, with a plain 80 meters above the sea level. It is 7.5 km long north-south, with a maximal width of 7 km in the south. It is 24 km² in area. The population numbers 94 (census of 2003). Principal village is Moumu on the east coast. There is a ghost town, Vaitepaua, and a close-by abandoned port on the northern west coast, Temao, both from the times of phosphate mining (1917 to 1964). Makatea is one of three important Pacific raised coral islands that had large phosphate deposits, the other two being Nauru and Banaba.
The island forms a commune associée of Rangiroa commune. The inhabitants live of agriculture, culture of copra, some fishing and the trade of coconut crabs.
The island was called "Aurora" by Dutch discoverer Jakob Roggeveen in 1722. Later, the Polynesians called it "Tea Dad" (which means "white rock").

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★ French Polynesia

★ Nauru

★ Banaba

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★ Map of Makatea